The goal of this work is to understand the molecular determinants underlying cell cycle control, which directly relates to many aspects of human health including cancer biology. In Caulobacter crescentus, the cell cycle is largely directed by two-component signal transduction systems consisting of sensor histidine kinases and their cognate response regulators. The Caulobacter genome contains a histidine kinase coupled to a photosensor-type LOV domain (hereafter known as LOV kinase). Transcription of this LOV kinase is cell cycle-controlled, peaking at the beginning of DNA replication. Thus, light may have a role in regulation of replication or some other aspect of cellular growth and development. I will approach this project via three routes: 1) characterize the photoactivity and spectral properties of LOV kinase in vitro and in vivo; 2) characterize the phenotype and expression profile of a LOV kinase knockout strain in the presence and absence of light; 3) identify other components of the LOV kinase cellular signaling network using a combination of affinity purification, mass spectrometry, and in vivo fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32GM069108-01
Application #
6692535
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F08 (20))
Program Officer
Tompkins, Laurie
Project Start
2003-07-01
Project End
2006-06-30
Budget Start
2003-07-01
Budget End
2004-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$39,700
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009214214
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305